HERRIN, Ill. (WSIL) -- As temperatures drop, local firefighters are preparing for a different kind of challenge—the weather.

The Herrin Fire Department is staying ready to respond at a moment’s notice, no matter how cold it gets.

Herrin Fire Chief Shawn Priddy said winter weather presents unique challenges for firefighters, from frozen equipment to icy roads.

"Just like anybody else, with travel conditions, we have to worry about that. The trucks are very heavy, different features that they have that help us on dry roads. They can hinder us on wet roads," Priddy said.

After arriving at a scene, the cold can cause hoses to freeze.

"When it gets really cold out, we may have to leave the nozzle open a little bit and let water run, kind of just the same thing as like, in your house where

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